Topics Related to This Day in North Carolina History

Cape Lookout Light Lit

On November 1, 1859, the Cape Lookout Lighthouse was lit for the first time. Begun in 1857, the lighthouse took two years to construct, replacing a previous light built around 1812.

“Copperhead Cuddlers” in Durham, 1947

On November 1, 1947, Durham police raided the Zion Tabernacle Church on Peabody Street and confiscated a copperhead snake being handled in a church service.

Stamp Act Protest in the Port City, 1765

On October 31, 1765, angry Wilmingtonians held a mock funeral for Liberty the day before the Stamp Act was to go into effect.  The Stamp Act placed taxes on most forms of paper in the colonies, including newspapers, letters, pamphlets and wills.

Commodore Council Invented BC Powder in Durham

On October 31, 1886, Commodore Council, inventor of the famous BC headache powder, was born in Chatham County. He and his family moved to Durham, where he later made his living as a pharmacist after being educated at Duke and UNC.

Arthur Dobbs and His Mixed Success as Royal Governor

On October 31, 1754, Arthur Dobbs, the newly minted governor of North Carolina, arrived in the colony. He had previously been a very successful politician in Ireland. For the first few years of his tenure Dobbs was a successful governor. By 1764, with factionalism rampant, Dobbs asked for and received a leave of absence.

Originally Carolana, for King Charles I

On October 30, 1629, England’s King Charles I granted much of what is North and South Carolina to his attorney general, Sir Robert Heath. The land was referred to as Carolana, meaning the “land of Charles.”

James Walker Hood Died

On October 30, 1918, James Walker Hood died.

Death of Edward Dudley of Wilmington, Governor

On October 30, 1855, Edward Dudley, North Carolina’s first governor elected by a vote of the people, died.

The Stock Market Crashed

On October 29, 1929, the stock market crashed earning the day the epithet “Black Tuesday.”  It was the beginning of the Great Depression.

The Execution of Sir Walter Ralegh, 1618

On October 29, 1618, Sir Walter Ralegh was beheaded on a charge of treason in London. The former court favorite of Elizabeth I of England had fallen far from his once-respected status.